Chris Mortensen

  (11:00 AM)

Good morning. We missed last week because NFL news refuses to call a timeout. Still busy, but let's spend some time talking about what's on your minds.

Mike (Boca Raton)

was were Chris Berman and Tom Jackson so incensed by the dismissal of 49ers coach Mike Nolan? Was it really done in that poor of fashion?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:02 AM)

I don't know if it was done in poor fashion but for the most part, firing an NFL coach in early or mid-season seldom has produced results. Unlike St. Louis, the 49ers had not quit on their coach. Mike Nolan walked into a terrible organization and made it better. But he knows his job was on theline and they had to win games. Losing four straight obviously was unacceptable but pushing the panic button on a coach who did a lot of the right things trying to restore order to a mess is probably what disturbs some people.

Reid (NOLA)

Mortimer - how do you rate the Saints chances for winning the NFC South?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:05 AM)

Well, I picked them but when you make predictions you always know there can be developments, like injuries. Based on what I've seen, it's a much improved division - I believe the Panthers and Bucs are the two best teams right now in the NFC South, I give the Saints a shot and how about those Falcons?

Mark (Greenville, SC)

Mort-what is wrong with the Colts? Do you think the fact that Dungy has one foot out the door has caused his players to lose focus, commit ridiculous penalties, etc?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:07 AM)

The penalties' part surprises me. I do think the Packers were just the better team Sunday. I mean, the week before, the Colts spanked the Ravens and everyone was going ga-ga over how they were back to the old Colts. They have personnel problems for a variety of reasons but I assure you one thing - it has nothing to do with Tony Dungy's year-to-year status.

Aaron (Cincinnati)

Is it wrong for a fan to hope his team goes 0-16? Do you think that might force Mike Brown to bring in a GM?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:08 AM)

Yes, it's wrong for a fan to want a team to go 0-16. Mike Browns has had plenty of opportunity coming off bad seasons to hire a GM - I agree with you that it should be done - but he has declined to do so. The Bengals have played hard for the most part the last five or six weeks. I feel badly for their fans and for all the people that devote so much time to winning games but I think a new GM is necessary.

Dave (Tampa)

Hey Mort, In your opinion, is the relationship between Kellen Winslow and the Browns beyond repair?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:10 AM)

It feels that way. I believe there is more to the story than whether a staph infection was covered up/disclosed, or whatever. The Browns, starting with the owner Randy Lerner, want to change the culture there. Kellen probably is going to have t bend more than the team. I see him traded after the year but that is speculation.

Spencer (NJ):

Chris, Where do you rank Matt Ryan amongst rookie QB's in the last 10 years?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:12 AM)

I believe I need to see him over a 16-game haul to answer that question but the Peyton Manning comparisons in terms of leadership, work ethic, aptitude, performance under pressure seem to compare well at this moment. But it's still early, even though there's a lot to like.

David (Fort Myers, FL)

Mort - given the season the Redskins have had so far, if their success continues is Jim Zorn a coach of the year candidate? Also, plesae tell me what you think of the following: until Gibbs returned, the Redskins had a hard time finishing games and gutting out wins. With his retrun they becamse a much tougher, more intense team in terms of finishing out games and a season. True or false? I ask that because what I believe that is happening is Jim Zorn received a mentally tough football team, and he has done a fantastic job of making them better. But at the end of the day, Joe Gibbs deserves credit for the foundation.

Chris Mortensen

  (11:12 AM)

I believe you stated it well.

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

Mort, what are your feelings concerning the Steelers this year, particularly winning despite all of the injuries? Also, give me a score on who wins the Steelers-Giants game this weekend? Big Ben always loves showdowns against players and teams where he feels slighted (Giants could have picked him instead of Eli).

Chris Mortensen

  (11:14 AM)

I have to tell you that I thought this had a chance to be a .500 year for the Steelers because I had real questions about the line and the schedule. But Mike Tomlin seems to have been a perfect hire when Cowher retired - perhaps even more demanding and tougher on his players. And that toughness was needed. As for Big Ben, he is a terrific talent. I like the Steelers in this game, but not necessarily because it's Big Ben vs. Eli.

Jay (Middletown, CT)

Mort, I was at the Monday night game with NE domination of my Denver team. I spent $100 to watch 5 turnovers in 8 possesions!!! Is there any hope for Denver this season, Cutler isnt playing well either. Serneity now!!!!

Chris Mortensen

  (11:16 AM)

First off, if Cutler had not injured the indeix finger on his throwing hand on the game's first play, it would have been a different game - the sorry Denver defense could have stayed on the sidelines longer and perhaps played with a lead. But that was a very pathetic performance.

Dave (Schaumburg, IL)

The Bears have shown alot this year, starting with their QB play all the way to showing flashes of a strong defense reminicent of 2006. Is Orton for real?..and what do you think thier chances are of winning the NFC North?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:18 AM)

I think Orton has show the makings of a maturing QB with enough physical skills to win in this league for a long time. The Bears need to keep their identity of a strong defense - which actually is hurting right now - but I would say the Packers and Bears will fight it out for the division title.

Ryan (Wash D.C.)

Mort, What is your take on Troy Polamalu's comments last week that the NFL is becoming too "pansy"?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:20 AM)

I found it ironic that this past weekend, Hines Ward put out a player (Keith Rivers) for the season with a legal (violent) block and Polamalu gave himself a concussion with a hit. This is not a pansy league. I think Troy was expressing his frustration with the amount of fines being levied for what the league believes violates the player safety priorities.

Sal (NYC)

Mort, if the Dallas Cowboys continue playing like they have been, do you see Wade Phillips making it to the end of the season?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:22 AM)

I don't see a change unless they lose every game between now and Thanksgiving. Jerry Jones told me last week that he knew the team was about to go through a tough stretch with the injuries to Romo, Newman, Felix Jones, etc., and that the Cowboys' model - ironiclaly - would be the '07 Giants, who fought through adversity and got hot at the end. We'll see.

Andy (Buffalo ,NY)

Mort, whats your thoughts on Trent Edwards and the Buffalo Bills?

Andy (Buffalo ,NY)

Mort, whats your thoughts on Trent Edwards and the Buffalo Bills?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:24 AM)

Trent is a smart quarterback who manages the game well - that's obvious. (Heck, he went to Stanford!). Given some weapons like Lee Evans, a left tackle like Jason Peters....Edwards has done a great job and the Bills have a golden opportunity. can he stay healthy? That's the question (had problems on that sorry Stanford team) and can he play effectively in winter weather. if he does that, the Bills will have a happy January.

Matt, Cleveland

Mort, I see this Kellen Winslow thing as the Browns organization wagging the dog in an effort to distract their fans from their abysmal performance, and their inability to recognize that their starting QB can't perform. Your thoughts?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:25 AM)

I see it as a story that always has more to it than meets the eye.

Brandon (Sedalia, MO)

What choices do the Chiefs have at quarterback for the next year? Unless Bradford comes out it does not seem like any QB warrants a top 5 pick in April, even Stafford. Who would be left in the 2nd?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:28 AM)

As it stands now, there is not a quarterback in college with a first-round (or myabe second-roud) grade (of the seniors) and it's almost always foolish for an underclassman QB to come out early. The Chiefs need to build their team and get a competent QB - maybe call Cleveland for Quinn or Anderson, maybe sign JP Losman or someone like that. Look at the Panthers - they went with Jake Delhomme, passed on Joey Harrington and just built their football team.

josh (nyc)

thoughts on flacco and the ravens? should get them to 4-3 against the raiders at home, with winnable games at houston and cleveland to follow.

Chris Mortensen

  (11:29 AM)

The Ravens' defense has to play at a high level against the Oakland offense (which is below average) because the raiders' defense is capable of giving any QB fits, even veteran ones. The games with the Texans and Browns are also winnable for the Texans and Browns.

John in Denver

Will Terrel Davis make it to the Hall of Fame someday? Are you one of the protractors saying his career wasnt long enough?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:30 AM)

I am not on the Hall of fame committee. I think TD's career merits considerable discussion, regardless of the short career because it's pretty obvious the Broncos would not have won back-to-back Super Bowls without him.

Brian(Dallas)

Mort, love your chats and all your work. Why is Crennel sticking with DA? Is it because DA basically saved his job for him last year? DA has had one good game all year and has been horrible otherwise. Even Couch, Ware, Leaf, Akili Smith, etc could have one good game every six but they shouldn't have been starters. Why not see if Quinn can create the same spark that DA did when he took over last year? I just don't understand the thinking of leaving a 1st round on the bench considering the results.

Chris Mortensen

  (11:33 AM)

In previous chats, I explained that the Browns determined DA was not the issue that the multiple injuries and time missed by B. Edwards, Winslo and O-line were all contributing factors. I did not like the way he played vs. the Redskins. I don't think he can play that way again or we will see Brady Quinn. I have been told that some of the intended targets were not in the right place at the right time - and, as you know, the ball is coming out usually before those breaks are made.

Chris Mortensen

  (11:33 AM)

In previous chats, I explained that the Browns determined DA was not the issue that the multiple injuries and time missed by B. Edwards, Winslo and O-line were all contributing factors. I did not like the way he played vs. the Redskins. I don't think he can play that way again or we will see Brady Quinn. I have been told that some of the intended targets were not in the right place at the right time - and, as you know, the ball is coming out usually before those breaks are made.

Spencer (NJ)

Hi Mort. What do you think of the comments Suggs recently made about a bounty placed on Ward and Mendenhall? I would think the league would take this kind of thing seriously

Chris Mortensen

  (11:35 AM)

Bounties are usually invesitgated but, come on, the Ravens and Steelers annually play the most violent games of the season and so to assume Mendenhall's shoulder was broken because of a bounty is a stretch. It was a hard-hitting football play.

Ryan (St. Louis, MO)

Will Larry Johnson and Herm Edwards be on the Chiefs payroll at years end?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:35 AM)

At this rate, I'd say probably not with Edwards having a better chance than Johnson.

Matt (PA)

Hi Mort. How would you rate the play of Aaron Rodgers thus far? Where would you rank him among NFC QB's?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:37 AM)

I think Rodgers is playing Pro Bowl-claiber football and, just based on the amount of games so far, he certainly ranks in the top half-dozen of those NFC QBs.

Brandon (Sedalia, MO)

Mort, there was a blog post today about Rodney Harrison's HOF chances. Some people were citing his HGH use as a reason he should not get in. Tell me this is ridiculous this is a guy who gave everything he had his entire career and played at a HOF level.

Chris Mortensen

  (11:39 AM)

Here's what will be used against Rodney Harrison - that he only made two Pro Bowls and was considered a dirty player. For me, he has been a Hall of Famer. He was a great player in San Diego and he has been a great player in New England. His use of HGH was foolish but I believe it was the result of a guy whose passion for the game overruled his common sense folowing an injury.

Mort, Too

Please comment on the excessive coverage ESPN pays to the Dallas Cowboys. Can you please remind the powers that be there are 32 teams in the league not 1. I fully understand and appreciate that some teams require more attention because it helps ratings but I think ESPN's coverage is over the top. Thoughts?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:41 AM)

Just the way Jerry Jones likes it....your complaint is duly noted and, yes, there are 31 other teams and great stories abound. We don't ignore them all. I know Tom Jackson spent time in Tennessee last week, doing a feature story on the Titans' D-line, for example.

Rev, GR Michigan

I'm a life long Packer Fan. I was disappointed how the preseason soap opera unfolded in the press. Football is a business not suppose to be a gossip group. It seemed obvious to me. My beloved Packers leaked things about Farve to the press and vice versa. (This was so unlike when they released Eddy Lee Ivory and James Lofton. Also the leaks from the recent coaching firings by teams Raiders and 49ers) With all the news outlets and ESPN, Do you feel this is the way the NFL teams will do business for now on and what do teams gain by it? (Especially what did the Packers have to gain)

Chris Mortensen

  (11:46 AM)

I know there are a lot of frustrations out there about stories, ESPN, me and other outlets about how we do business - I'm speaking about the media all over the country, including bloggers. It's a different media world. Trust me. For someone who has been in the journalism business for more than 35 years, it's frustrating, it's confusing, it's disappointing and it demands self-discipline. But I don't see this new developing trend changing and as much as I love journalism, I love the game just as much. I wish we would spend more time on the game. Reporting & leaks, etc., are part of the business. It's the immediacy that makes it more complex. Stories that use to take hours, days or months to develop now seemingly take minutes. Sometimes, it works OK that way, sometimes it doesn't. It also doesn't mean you abandon your principles. You do your job and someone else does their job.

Alex (Columbia, MO)

Mort, it is crazy being a Rams fan right now. Just two weeks ago I was already looking to the draft and now I feel there is some outside shot at the playoffs with the horrific NFC West. Do the Rams have a chance to win this weekend against the Patriots. Also, I know it is a long way away, but what are the Rams chances of making the playoffs?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:47 AM)

Funny how two impressive wins can change an outlook, huh? Well, I agree with Jim Haslett - for now, you can't think playoffs. You can only think about the Patriots. if the Rams beat New England this week, we'll all stand up and pay even more attention.

Greg (Rochester, NY)

Should the Bengals shut down Carson Palmer for the year? - based on the play of their offensive line I see nothing good out of risking him considering his injury seems more serious than everyone is letting on.

Chris Mortensen

  (11:49 AM)

Carson Palmer should only play if doctors tell him he has no risk of further damage to his elbow. Obviously, it is a serious injury and one that is being treated appropriately conservative.

Chris, Norfolk, VA

Any word on your end regarding what coordinators/asst coaches are expected to be replaced in Seattle when Jim Mora takes over?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:50 AM)

The only expectation I am aware of is that Greg Knapp (Raiders) will rejoin Mora in Seattle as the offensive cooridnator. They were together in Atlanta.

PT (Franklin, NC)

Do you think Javon Walker will start to perform better for the Raiders, or was the Jets game a fluke?

Chris Mortensen

  (11:51 AM)

Javon made some plays underneath. he was given a lot of money to make plays downfield. Let's see if that can happen.

Tony (Brooklyn, NY)

Hey Chris, Am I crazy, for is Asomugha the best (not the most impactful, just best) player in the NFL? Thanks!

Chris Mortensen

  (11:54 AM)

You can make a pretty good case for this Raider! I have to go now. I appreciate all of your questions and we'll catch on ESPN Radio Friday night from 7-9 pm ET and on Sunday NFL Countdown at 11 am ET. Thanks and God Bless.